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Give your home a true green cleaning this spring

(BPT) - When you clean your house in the spring, you really want it to be clean. Dirt, dust and germs are banned, and all appliances, floors and walls are scrubbed clean. But is your house really clean, or have you traded dirt and germs for caustic and toxic chemicals found in most conventional cleaning products?

Even some so-called natural cleansers can contain these same or similar nasty ingredients. And you would know this only if the manufacturer practices full disclosure of ingredients on their labels, which is not required on home care products. Think about it - when was the last time you saw a full ingredient listing on your spray cleaner?

The best way to make sure your living space is clean and healthy is to use safe, natural cleaning products you create yourself, using natural and inexpensive ingredients you can pick up at any natural grocery store. It's cost-effective, not difficult and, like the task of spring cleaning itself, it&rsquo;s satisfying and rewarding. You can craft your own, home-spun versions of everything from carpet cleaner to furniture dusting polish - and have the satisfying assurance that you really are keeping your home clean and green.

Whether you&rsquo;re shopping for prepared natural cleaning solutions or making your own, keep in mind that the word "aromatherapy" is now being applied to everything scented - from dishwashing liquid to laundry detergent. The true practice of aromatherapy relies on using pure essential oils extracted from plants. These natural plant essences nurture us on mental, emotional, physical and even spiritual levels. House cleaning isn&rsquo;t exactly a spiritual exercise, but adding the effects and properties of essential oils to your homemade household products can enhance the experience and the effectiveness of your task.